Monticello New Mexico was founded by ranchers and farmers in 1856 as Cañada Alamosa (Cottonwood Canyon). Its location was not far from the headquarters for the Warm Springs Apache Agency.
In 1881 the first postmaster, Aristide Bourguet, renamed the town and it became Monticello.
Built in a square around a plaza in order to protect residents from attack, the town’s buildings and homes are nearly all original adobe, lovingly restored in the last 20 years by new residents.
The historic San Ignacio Mission Church, built in 1867, stands adjacent to the plaza. San Ignacio was released by the Catholic church in 2024 to the Monticello Canyon Association, a nonprofit 501-c3 organization, for use as a community center.
Every December, Monticello makers and growers sell their wares at the Monticello Holiday Store, offering an array of wonderful handmade goods.
The Monticello cemetery has graves dating from the 1800s.
Monticello is known today for its organic farms including, most famously, O.M. (Old Monticello), the makers of an award-winning organic balsamic vinegar.
Monticello’s Organic Farms
Find produce and products at the Sierra County Farmers Market and the Monticello Holiday Store
Available seasonally at the Sierra County Farmers Market, the Monticello Holiday Store, and other events
Location
Monticello is located 25 miles north of T or C on NM 142
